Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid Reflux in Infants is quite common as infants consumes lot of liquid foods, which can rarely cause a minor heartburn or acidic regurgitation. As compared to Acid Reflux case in adult, the infants encounter Acid Reflux when LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is relaxed.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LED) acts as valve between esophagus and the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter opens up to allow food into the stomach and then closes to protect the esophagus and other organs from acidic reflux.

Unluckily it’s difficult to find out if chronic form of heartburn called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD has been developed in Infants. So to clarify if the infant has developed the chronic form of heartburn (GERD) also known as Acid Reflux you should consult your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Infant Acid Reflux Symptoms

Some of the infant acid reflux symptoms are coughing, sleeping problems, lack of appetite, weight loss, apnea, and spitting up frequently, these are all possible infant acid reflux symptoms which are seen when an Infant is having Acid Reflux disease. Acid Reflux in Infants can cause problems such as respiratory problems which includes pneumonia, ulcerations and strictures on the esophageal wall and undernourishment.

Causes of acid reflux in infants

There are numerous causes of acid reflux in infants. It’s a fact that Acid Reflux in Infants is worse and higher as compared to Adults, as Infant mostly consumes liquid food and spend a most of the time on their backs or in a lying face upward (supine) position.

Combined with the backwash potential of liquids, lying down puts pressure on the LES (esophagus valve) and increases the chances for causing acid reflux. Other causes could be attributed to the anatomy of a child’s stomach position, being excessive or extra weight, poor eating habits, and food allergies.

In addition to GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), infants can be diagnosed with a functional version of acid reflux. This condition can be enhanced with simple changes such as changing eating habits, encouragement, and keeping the child upright after eating. GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), or the chronic disease, requires medical treatment by a physician, prescription medication therapy, as well as lifestyle changes.